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Four years ago, when I started to the University of Arkansas, I was an eager, fresh-faced 17-year-old, open to new ideas and new experiences. I have since become a wizened, 21-year-old, near college graduate who has experienced a great deal during my time here. I revel in the opportunity to share my experiences with new students, whether the student be transferring in from another university or an incoming freshman.
Being a first-generation college student, I had no idea what college would be like. In my mind, I thought college would be a very structured environment with overbearing professors cracking whips to get students to do their work; in other words, I thought college would be very slave driver-esque. I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived that teachers generally do not care if you come to class or not. One teacher even told the class that he got paid whether or not the seats were filled, but each teacher is quick to remind you that you will NOT pass if you do not come to class.
I had to make dramatic adjustments to my life because coming from a small town with a population of 7,000 people to a university with 19,000 students, staff and teachers was a culture shock, to say the least. I must admit that it took me a year to get used to college life. I decided one day that I would come out of my shell and start embracing the many activities that Fayetteville and the U of A have to offer. Northwest Arkansas is home to great local bands and the U of A sponsors many campus activities for instance, Friday Night Live, Hog Bash, and the Football Pep Rallies. I also started joining clubs like the Kinesiology Club, which I am now an officer in. These experiences helped me form lifelong friendships and they even helped me befriend professors whom I look up to.
As I am nearing the end of my college career, I am faced with a few major decisions. "Do I stay in school and get another degree or go to graduate school?" or "Do I graduate, get a job, and begin life in the real world?" or "Maybe I should join the Peace Corps?" All of these scenarios would be welcomed, but which do I pick? One piece of advice that I have for all underclassmen is, "Do NOT force things." Four years ago, I was positive that I would graduate in May 2008, go to physical therapy school, and by 2011 I would be a working pediatric physical therapist. Now, that plan is "iffy" at most. I am not sure what the future holds but you can be sure that where ever I go and whatever I do that all of my experiences, from an eager freshman to a wizened nearly college graduate, have gave me the resilience to overcome any obstacle.
Page last updated: 5/6/2008 16:32
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